The National Kidney Federation is calling on people across the UK to kick a bad habit, or kick-start a positive new one, to raise money for its national helpline for kidney patients and their families.
The federation’s autumn fundraising appeal, Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease, officially launches on Thursday 1st October 2026. Supporters are invited to take on a 31-day challenge to raise money for the Patient Helpline and Information Service.
Whether it is giving up chocolate, takeaways, online shopping or doomscrolling, or starting a healthier habit such as walking, learning a skill or completing a daily act of kindness, every challenge will help ensure that people affected by kidney disease have somewhere to turn when they most need support.
Richard Yates and his son Harry, have pledged their support after Richard was recently diagnosed with stage three chronic kidney disease. The pair will be kick-starting a daily habit of walking or running in preparation for their participation in Tough Mudder in July 2027.
Richard said: “This October, my son and I are taking on the NKF’s Kick a Habit for Kidney Disease challenge to help us lose weight, get fit and work towards Tough Mudder next year. Kick a Habit is a great challenge because you get to choose something meaningful to you, while supporting kidney patients like me.””
Based at The Point in Shireoaks, Worksop, the National Kidney Federation is the UK’s largest kidney-patient charity run by kidney patients for kidney patients. It provides information and support and advocates for change on behalf of people affected by kidney disease across the UK.
Funds raised through the campaign will support the Patient Helpline and Information Service, which costs £100,000 a year to run. The service offers information, printed resources endorsed by nephrologists and emotional support to thousands of kidney patients and their families. It has already supported more than 1,600 people this year.
Taking part is free:
- Choose one habit to kick, or one positive habit to start.
- Register at www.kidney.org.uk/kick-a-habit. Set up a JustGiving fundraising page.
- Ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor the challenge.
- Complete the 31-day challenge during October, or on other suitable dates, and share the progress.
For information or fundraising inspiration, visit http://www.kidney.org.uk/kick-a-habit or contact fundraiser Suzanne Rutter on 01909 544999 or at Suzanne@kidney.org.uk.